The child chosen in the selection would get to go live in the Overworld. In exchange, the organizer would give the orphanage a sum of money large enough to improve its conditions.
The news caused a stir. Vagrant children and even poor families flocked to the orphanage, hoping to get a spot. Jiang Mo watched from a distance. He knew this was a deal between Natasha and the Overworld—trading children for funds. It sounded like selling livestock, but in the Underworld, this was the best possible outcome for those orphans.
He wasn't worried about Bronya. In the script of Belobog, she was the one destined to stand out.
The selection lasted all day. That evening, Natasha announced the result through a megaphone. "Only one child was selected."
The crowd fell silent, waiting.
"Bronya."
A murmur went through the crowd. Bronya?! That quiet, unremarkable kid? Why her?!
Jiang Mo wasn't surprised. The plan was proceeding smoothly.
But when he went to see her that night, she wasn't as happy as he'd expected. She was sitting on the swing, clutching an old cloth doll, looking downcast.
"Bronya?" he said, sitting on the swing next to her. "You were selected. You're going to the Overworld. Why do you look so sad?"
She looked up, her eyes brimming with tears. "Jiang Mo-gege… I have to go to the Overworld."
"I know. That's a good thing. So many people would kill for that chance."
"I… I don't want to leave this place. I'll miss Sister Natasha…" her voice grew smaller, "and… and I'll miss you…"
Jiang Mo was stunned. He never thought that as she was about to leave this hellhole for a life of luxury, he would be one of the things she held dear.
"Bronya, didn't we make a promise?" he said gently. "If either of us got a chance to leave, to see the world outside, we had to take it."
"But…"
"No buts!" he interrupted, his tone becoming firm. "You know what this place is. Hunger, cold… we can't just wait to die here. The Overworld is different. It has clean streets, endless food, warm houses. It's your only chance to escape. You have to go."
She knew he was right. But her heart ached. "What about you, Jiang Mo-gege? Will you come to the Overworld too?"
"Of course," he said without hesitation. "I told you, I'm not going to rot here. I'll work hard and find a way up. You can go scout it out for me first." He held out his pinky. "Let's make another promise. I swear."
She hesitated, then hooked her small pinky with his. "Bronya, I promise you, when I get to the Overworld… we will meet again."
"Okay!" she nodded, her eyes shining with determination. "It's a promise! We'll meet again in the Overworld, Jiang Mo-gege!"
...
The next day, a black car pulled up to the orphanage. A well-dressed, cold-looking woman got out. Natasha led Bronya out. She was wearing clean clothes, clutching the old doll Jiang Mo had given her. As she was about to get in the car, she stopped and looked back, not at Natasha, but towards the orphanage gate.
Jiang Mo was standing there, seeing her off. She remembered their promise. See you in the Overworld.
Suddenly, she let go of the woman's hand and ran. She ran with all her might towards Jiang Mo. He was surprised by her impulsive action. She threw herself into his arms, hugging him tightly, her small body trembling. He was startled at first, then slowly hugged her back, patting her thin back gently.
The woman came over and pulled her away. "Bronya, it's time to go."
Bronya was forced towards the car. Just before she got in, she looked back at him one last time, her tear-streaked face shining with a bright light. She didn't speak, but just gave him a firm nod.
He knew what she meant. 'Jiang Mo-gege, I'll be waiting for you.'
He gave a slight nod in return.
The car door slammed shut, separating two worlds. The car drove away, disappearing down the street. Jiang Mo stood there, feeling the lingering warmth of her embrace. Bronya was gone to the Overworld. The most important step of his plan was complete.
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